18th October 2011: Sandals Tabi socks and zori sandals to complete the samurai look
12th October 2011: Katanas Not having the time to create one from scratch, I've opted for some props. They look quite convincing as well.
26th September 2011: Kendogi and Hakama Yay!! my kendo uniform arrived today. It's all black. I wanted a blue kendogi but this should do. Just need to get my dual katana and Geta sandals and I'll be set.
26th August 2011: Vision I've hollowed out the pupils and head with a hot knife. This will allow me to see through the eyes albeit only sideways. Luckily I can kindof see right ahead of me through the fabric. It's not very clear but in bright light I have some vision.
20th August 2011: Ears Finally completed the ears. The were initially quite massive, like mickey mouse's. That was a big no-no. Reduced the size but one is now smaller than the other - SHIMATTA!!!
16th August 2011: second layer of fabric yay!! It has finally taken shape.
I created the crease in the middle by stuffing the fabric under a wire.
13th August 2011: eyes and snout The eyes are from a polystyrene ball that came in two halves. I then sculpted the snout from a polystyrene block (took me ages).
8th August 2011: first layer of fabric The plan is to use to two layers of fabric to ensure a smooth even surface
7th August 2011: its like an oven in here I was not too happy with the shape so I decided to make it more spherical. I accomplished this by using strips of foam from an exercise mat.
I will however have to install a fan and create some ventilation or I just might faint whilst wearing it.
1st August 2011: aaaahhh! an egyptian mummy!! I have now taped the head up to secure it (in the process blocking off what little ventilation gaps existed - oh shit!)
It is however not as spherical in shape as I hoped it would be. The only solution I can think of is to use fabric to even out the sharp edges.
Next up: giving this baby some skin!
24th July 2011: Polystyrene Sphere I have now spent most of my weekend cutting polystyrene foam sheets into sections with a hot wire cutter; and then attaching it to the wire frame with lots of hot glue. Still have a few more sections to add...
17th July 2011: wire frame Unable to find wire baskets I decided to build the wire frame from scratch. I used several coils of garden wire, cut them and stuck them together with tape to create a spherical base for the head.
14th July 2011: items to acquire This is going to be challenging project so I've given myself just under 3 months to complete it. After viewing a few tutorials online here are some of the items I need to get my paws on:
- Memory Foam, wire baskets x2
- Wire, Plastic Ornament x2
- Stretch Fabric (dark brown)
- Black and White paint
- Duct Tape, Hot Glue Gun
- Batting (thick brown fabric), Styrofoam
Numta - 14th July 2011 I look forward to seeing this mate, kuma is bad ass!
gaming_goddess - 17th July 2011 This is gonna be immense - looking forward to seeing it complete.
WarriorTeddy - 17th July 2011 thanks :) just saw your super cute sackboy, so I might come running to you when I get stuck
RevolverKitty - 19th July 2011 Dude OMG :D This is pure win, cant wait to see it done :D
nanahara - 1st August 2011 nice one man, I was attempting this at one point but other ideas took over, so I look forward to this ^^
Kata-san - 1st August 2011 That polystyrene head looks warm! Good luck! I'll be keeping an eye on this one ;)
eternal_aranel - 8th August 2011 Awesome! I was planning Sio for a while :D Will be looking forward to this!
FusionRose - 8th August 2011 progress looks epic hun =] x.
Numta - 8th August 2011 Really looking forward to seeing this!
BabemRoze - 24th August 2011 This is looking amazing!!!
Anonymous - 24th August 2011 Mate that looks the SHIZZ!! Kuma is badass, like Numta said!!
FusionRose - 28th August 2011 Omg!! Love love love! This looks amazing Joe! =D x.
WarriorTeddy - 28th August 2011 :D thanks, I still can't believe I made it
Numta - 28th August 2011 I really really really can't wait to see this, your bringing one of my fav characters to life!
Heorot - 16th September 2011 Awesome! Hope I get to see you rockin' this in person :D
WarriorTeddy - 16th September 2011 thanks :) do come say hello
Numta - 26th September 2011 i can hardly stop my shaking with joy at this! haha
Anonymous - 12th October 2011 Mate that is officially Ridunkulous!!! So gutted that I wont get to see the finished article!!
WarriorTeddy - 12th October 2011 thanks matey :) he's one of my fav characters, will definitely cosplay him again
nanahara - 1st November 2011 brilliantly done man ^^
eternal_aranel - 1st November 2011 Amazing!!!!
WarriorTeddy - 1st November 2011
Thanks Nana :)
@ eternal_aranel - hello sister! I'll hang onto this for when you do Sio
Sketch McDraw - 8th November 2011
"JINOOOO!!...!" XD lol
It was great seeing this in person, and i may have to get some tips off you as im tempted to do the Kuma at the end of the Credits from the first Afro Samurai series where he's topless and he's covered in hundreds of head bands.
WarriorTeddy - 8th November 2011 thanks Kyle :) you must do it! that is the most epic version, just thinking about it has driven me into fanboy mode XD
KawaiiKira - 8th November 2011 It was awesome Seeing this at expo! I thought I renembered seeing this at cosplay island and forgot it was you LOL such a great cosplay!
Manticore Arts - 26th January 2012 This was absolutely fun to see! Really made me look back at Afro Samurai! =D How did you see in it?!
WarriorTeddy - 26th January 2012 Thanks Capt^^ I could see a tiny bit sideways through the eyes.. and I could kindof make out shapes infront of me through the material - wish it had perfect vision though